GTM Research reserve to host brown bag lunch lecture

Lecture will feature "Florida Butterflies & the Plants They Love"

Published Wednesday, September 05, 2007

PONTE VEDRA BEACH- The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) will hold its September brown bag lunch lecture at noon on Friday, September 7th at the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center's auditorium. The September 7th lecture will feature Florida butterflies and the plants they love presented by the Research Reserve's Environmental Educator Cat Eastman. Bring your lunches and questions for an enjoyable and informative lecture. There is no cost to attend the lecture.

The September event will take place on:

Noon to 1pm

Friday, September 7, 2007

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture - FREE

GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center Auditorium

505 Guana River Road

Ponte Vedra Beach FL 32082

904-823-4500

GTM RESEARCH RESERVE TO HOST FAMILY FUN HOURS

-- Upcoming event will feature Manatees--

PONTE VEDRA BEACH- Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) will host two Family Fun Hours during the month of September. The topic will feature "Manatees" with the Suzanne Tate story "Mary Manatee -- A Tale of Sea Cows". The story will be followed by a manatee craft activity for participants to take home.

The events are open to the public, including large groups; however children ages 3 -- 10 must be accompanied by a parent. Participation is free, but registration required by contacting the GTMNERR at (904) 823-4500. All materials for the event will be supplied.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH-"A String of Pearls -- Wisconsin's Estuaries Along Lake Superior" will be shown on the big screen at 10:00 am and again at 1:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays during September at the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center auditorium. Like a string of pearls, over 20 fresh water estuaries grace the sweeping curve of Wisconsin's Lake Superior shoreline. Like a pearl, each is a unique treasure linked by the waters of Lake Superior they share. This movie reveals the importance of these fresh water estuaries as best told by the people who cherish them. Come for the movie -- Stay for the exhibits! Admission to the Environmental Education Center is $2 for adults, $1 for children aged ten to 17 and children under ten are free.

CREATURE FEATURE AT THE GTM RESEARCH RESERVE

--Estuary animal interaction experience--

PONTE VEDRA BEACH- live estuary animal interaction sessions will take place every Saturday at 11:00am during the month of August in the Research Reserve's Environmental Education Center. Join the Research Reserve's Visitor Services Specialist Tina Bouse and learn about animal habitats, food chains, and behavior. This exciting, hands-on presentation will allow visitors to get up-close and personal with creatures of all kinds in a fun and educational environment.

This event will take place:

11:00 a.m.

Every Saturday

GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center

505 Guana River Road

Ponte Vedra Beach FL 32082

(904) 823-4500

ART EXHIBIT AT THE GTM RESEARCH RESERVE

--North Florida Wild, the Photography of Harry Hellas--

PONTE VEDRA BEACH- the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) is proud to have on display the photography of St. Augustine native Harry Hellas. Hellas' soulful art showcases some of North Florida's most pristine public locations found within the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The photography is available for purchase through the Friends of the GTMNERR in the Research Reserve's Nature Store. North Florida Wild is the brainchild of photographer Harry Hellas, conceived to showcase the natural artistry of North Florida's parks, forests, aquatic preserves and habitats.

GUANA BIKE TOURS AT THE GTM RESEARCH RESERVE

--Experience parts of Guana seldom seen through hiking--

PONTE VEDRA BEACH-Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve will host a trail biking tour on Sunday, September 9th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and on Saturday, September 29th from 8:00a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Join GTM Reserve Volunteer and Florida Master Naturalist Craig O'Neal as we bike the upland trail systems. The tour will cover approximately 6 to 8 miles round trip. We will discuss topics such as the diverse and co-existing eco-systems, wildlife, as well as historical points of interest located within GTMNERR. Join us and experience parts of Guana seldom seen though hiking. Bring your own bike - trail & beach bikes only. This is a moderately strenuous activity. Helmet, closed toe shoes and water are required. Space is limited. Reservations are required. Please call 904-823-4500 to reserve your spot. Meet at the Guana Dam trailhead. Entrance fee $3 per vehicle, annual GTM pass holders FREE.)

PONTE VEDRA BEACH- the Friends of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) in partnership with Ripple Effect Ecotours will offer kayak tours of the Guana River in September. This naturalist lead tour is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about one of northeast Florida's most precious jewels, the coastal estuary.

Participants will climb into a stable, double kayak and paddle out into the estuary to search for herons, egrets, osprey and other estuary dependent species that inhabit the area. But most importantly, participants will learn about what makes this coastal system so special and in need of protection.

Cost for this event is $45 per person and is appropriate for people age 15 and up. All kayaking equipment, instruction, reserve entry fee and tour, and bottled water are included.

Please meet at the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Educational Center 15 minutes prior to the departure time. What to bring: sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, camera and binoculars are always a good idea. Reservations must be made in advance. Please call the Ripple Effect Ecotours at 904-347-1565 to reserve your space. For further information and additional tour dates go to www.rippleeffectecotours.com

These events will take place:

10:00 a.m. to Noon

September 28, 2007

10 a.m. to Noon

September 29, 2007

GTM RESEARCH RESERVE CELEBRATES NATIONAL ESTUARIES DAY

--Family event focuses on the magical places where rivers meet the sea--

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM NERR) invites you to celebrate National Estuaries Day on Saturday, September 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the GTM Environmental Education Center, located at 505 Guana River Rd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. In honor of the nationwide event, a multitude of activities are planned for the entire family to enjoy. National Estuaries Day activities will focus on the importance of our estuaries and the need to protect them.

Included in the festivities will be live music by Saltwater Cowgirls, a live birds of prey presentation by the Humane Association of Wildlife and Education Inc. (H.A.W.K.E.), touch tank, kayak tour, nature crafts for kids of all ages, estuary games and activities, and presentations throughout the day -- some with live animals! In addition, there will be exhibits from local partner organizations. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will showcase information about recreational fishing opportunities in NE Florida and a wildlife trailer with real mounts of Florida wildlife. Other exhibitors will include Faver-Dykes State Park, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County/Endangered Species Protection Program, Master Gardeners of St. Johns County, Anastasia Mosquito Control District, the Department of Environmental Protection Clean Marina Program, and the Florida Sea Grant Extension Program.

Bring the family and join us for a fun and educational day. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age 10 and over and under age 10 are free. Event proceeds will be used to support the education, research and stewardship programs of the Reserve. Please call 904-823-4500 for more information or visit www.gtmnerr.org for a schedule of presentations. Advance reservations and an additional cost are required for the kayak tours.